Tarentum Borough
Omnibus Demolition Project
Tarentum Borough continues to address dangerous and deteriorated structures through its ongoing multi year demolition project. The program focuses on properties that present significant public safety concerns, negatively affect surrounding property values, and cannot reasonably be returned to productive use.
The Borough works with Allegheny County and other community development partners to secure funding, complete required legal and environmental reviews, and safely remove qualifying structures. Each demolition helps eliminate a neighborhood hazard while creating opportunities for property reuse, redevelopment, and long term community improvement.
Four additional demolitions are scheduled for 2026. Once those structures are removed, Tarentum will have completed 70 demolitions since 2019 as part of its continuing effort to improve public safety and strengthen Borough neighborhoods.
. Follow the demolition project here for status updates, cost analysis and more information.
Side Yard Candidates
The properties listed below are just a small sample of possible side yard projects. We hope to find interested neighbors to acquire lots adjacent to their property. This would improve the character of the neighborhood and increase the property value of the surrounding properties.
437 E 7th
- 108.1.1 Unsafe structure
- 109.1 Imminent danger
- 304.5 Foundation walls
611 Roup
- 108.1.1 Unsafe structure
- 108.1.5 Dangerous structure
- 304.1.1 Unsafe conditions
515 E 5th Rear
- 108.1.1 Unsafe structure
- 108.1.3 Structure unfit
- 302.5 Rodent harborage
The side yard project within the Borough is administered via the Vacant Property Recovery program offered through Allegheny County Redevelopment. This program allows individuals, municipalities, community groups, local businesses, and private and nonprofit developers to acquire neighboring properties and structures which are vacant and tax delinquent. The program assists buyers with forgiving outstanding taxes, liens and other obligations on the property so that it can be re-acquired and put back on the tax rolls with a new owner.
Fun Facts
Demolition Photos
Demolition started December 2020.
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- 132 Davidson (Before)
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- 132 Davidson (Demo)
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- 132 Davidson (Demo)
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- 134 Davidson (Before)
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- 134 Davidson (Demo)
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- 136 Davidson (Before)
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- 136 Davidson (Demo)
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- 629 E 8th (Before)
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- 629 E 8th (Demo)
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- 629 E 8th (After)
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- 102 Reinher (Before)
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- 102 Reinher (Demo)
132 Davidson Street
134 Davidson Street
Research
The publication below provides valuable insight on the true cost of abandoned properties:
Understanding the True Costs of Abandoned Properties | Aaron Klein | January 2017
On quantifying costs of vacant structures: “These costs may appear self evident at first – the reduction in property value for the building, for neighbors, for the community – but they are often broader than commonly appreciated: major costs stem from increased crime and arson generated from abandoned properties.”
Four effects of deteriorated properties: “1. Reduction in property value of surrounding homes 2. Increased crime 3. Increased probability of fire 4. Reduced tax base for local governments”